Manitoba police crack down on cellphone use while driving

WINNIPEG — Police are cracking down even more on people still using their cellphones while driving.

A Selective Traffic Enforcement Program involving eight police services across the province is kicking off immediately.

Police officers across the province will conduct dedicated distracted driving enforcement over the next few weeks, with funding provided through Manitoba Public Insurance.

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READ MORE: Texting and driving simulator shows risks of distracted driving

“Too many lives are lost, too many accidents happen,” said Manitoba Justice Minister James Allum.

This is the fourth time Manitoba police have partnered with MPI. More than 5,000 tickets for distracted driving were handed out during the last three rounds.

Drivers face a $200 fine and two demerits for distracted driving. CAA has a full list of distracted driving fines on their website here.

READ MORE: Distracted driving No. 1 safety concern on roads, CAA Manitoba says